HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 12162003 - PR2 _.... ......... _........
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PR.2
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order December 16, 2043 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Gioia, Uilkema, Greenberg, Glover and DeSaulnier
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
On this day the Board of Supervisors accepted the presentation of the Contra Costa
Commission for Women's Annual Report.
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of supervisors on the date shown.
Attested: December 16 2003
John sweeten,Clerk of the Board
of Supervisor d County Administrator
$y:
Depu Clerk
Contra Costa
Con mission for vvomen
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Annual Report 2003
`able of Contents
History 2
AF Chair Letter 3
Commission 4
Introduction
Chair Report S Staff b
Membership Committee 7
Girl's Outreach Committee 8
Legislative Committee g
Public Relations Committee 10
Nall of Fame Committee I I
Non-Traditional Employment 12
Friends of the Commission 13
Commissioner Making a Difference 14
History of the
Contra Costa Commission for Women
In 1980, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors established the Commission as a Task
Force on the Employment and Economic Status of Women. The Task Force was established for
one year with a specific work agenda to develop and analyze our County employment profile,
determine the status of California Education and Training Act (CETA) services to women,
develop a profile of CETA female participants, and prepare an analysis of findings and
recommendations for submittal to the Board of Supervisors.
On December 14, 1982, the Board of Supervisors designated the Task Force as an Advisory
Committee on the Employment and Economic Status of Women. The Board agreed to co-
sponsor the Committee with the Private Industry Council (PIC). The Committee was given a
budget of $17,730,of which half came from the County General Funds and half from PIC.
On March 10, 1986, the Board of Supervisors signed a Board Order extending the life of the
Advisory Committee on Employment and Economic Status of Women through February 28,
1989,
The Committee operated with a sunset date until May 9, 1989, at which time the Board of
Supervisors continued the life of the Committee without a sunset date.
In fiscal year 1992, due to changes in federal legislation, PIC was no longer able to co-sponsor
the Advisory Committee. The Board of Supervisors agreed to continue its co-sponsorship of
the Committee for a total of $7,965. The Board also agreed to fonnally change the
Committee's name from the Advisory Committee on the Employment and Economic Status of
Women to the Contra Costa Women's Advisory Committee.
In 1993, the Committee applied for and received non-profit exempt status 501(c) 4, and the
Committee's membership was increased from 15 members to 25 members and one alternate.
In 1999, at the request of the Committee, the Board of Supervisors changed the name of the
Women's Advisory Committee to the Contra Costa Commission for Women.
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Contra Costa Commission for Women
20 Allen Street+Martinez, CA 04353 ---,025-870-3140
Doris Denson-Belcher
Chair December 1, 2003
District I
Africa S.Hands
District 11
Patricia Johnson Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors:
District III
Elaine Dagger-Shaw
District iv We are proud to Present to you the 2003 Annual Report for the Contra Costa
Tracey Loveridge Commission for Women. Over the last year the Commission has worked diligently to
District V address, fulfill and build on the goals outlined in our Strategic Plan.
Lanette Clarke
AT-LARGE MEMBERS With a firm foundation laid by many of the previous Commissioners,we are now working
Sharon Barone with public and private entities to build a framework to enhance the lives of women and
Joan Conley girls in Contra Costa County. In partnership with business, government, the not-for-
Deedee Jenson profit organizations and the academic communities we have dedicated ourselves to raising
Doris Denson-Belcher public awareness of vital women's issues,exploring opportunities for women and making
Greer McVay
Kathleen Oswald good recommendations to you.
Tunyalee Martin
Charlotte Standefer
Dawn Harris The Commission looks forward to working With you to achieve the goals and priorities
Argentina Davila described in our Mission Statement and our Strategic Plan, Together we can construct a
Luevano stronger County by helping women and girls achieve their full potential.
Carolyn Campbell
Maria'Tamarix
Terri Lieder On behalf of the Commission I thank the members of the Contra Costa County Board of
Victoria English Supervisors for the opportunity to serve during your administration and for the privilege
Fereshteh Miller
Diana Gates-Waterman of serving the citizens of Contra Costa County.
Denise Schmidt
Maria Billingsley
Phyllis Gordon Sincerely,
Elizabeth Williams
ALTERNATE
Beryl Schwartz Doris M. Denson-Be c r
Linda Douglas Chair
925/370-5149
925/370-5098(fax)
The Contra Costa
Commission for Women's
mission is to improve the
economic status, social
welfare, and overall
quality of life of women in
Contra Costa County. 3
................
CONTRA COSTA COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
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COMMISSIONERS
CHAIR AT-LARGE MEMBERS
Doris M. Denson-Belcher Sharon Barone Argentina Davila-Luevano Maria Billingsley
District I (At-Large Seat) Walnut Creek, California Antioch, California Martinez, California
Richmond, California
Joan Conley Carolyn Campbell Phyllis Gordon
DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES Walnut Creek, California Walnut Creek, California Pittsburg, California
Africa S. Hands
District I Diana (Deedee)Jenson Maria Tamariz Elizabeth Williams
El Cerrito, California Pleasant Hill, California Martinez, California Pittsburg, California
Patrica Johnson Greer McVay Terri Lieder ALTERNATE
District II San Ramon, California Antioch, California Beryl Schwartz
Rodeo, California Martinez, California
Kathleen Oswald Victoria English
Elaine Dugger-Shaw Pleasent Hill, California Walnut Creek, California
District Ill
Danville, California Tunyalee Martin Eereshteh Miller
Pacheco, California Martinez, California
Tracey Loveridge
District IV Charlotte Standefer Diana Gates--Waterman
Concord, California Martinez, California Discovery Bay, California
Lanette Clarke Dawn Harris Denise Schmidt
District V San Pablo, California Walnut Creek, California 4
Antioch, California
INTRODUCTION
The Contra Costa Commission for Women delivers this, our Annual Report for 2003. This report is
intended to share the work and accomplishments of the many Commissioners who voluntary worked
diligently to fulfill the goals and priorities set-forth in the Mission Statement and the five year Strategic
Plan developed September 17, 2002.
MISSION STATEMENT
To improve the economic status, social welfare and overall quality of life of women in Contra Costa
County.
As such the goals of the Commission are as follows:
« To provide a focal point for women's issues in Contra Costa County.
« To offer referrals and resources to women who need assistance with issues such as sexual
harassment,child support, sexual assault,domestic violence, health and economic security.
To legislatively advocate on behalf of women.
« To organize and co-sponsor conferences, forums, public hearings, and events which address
women's issues.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS FOR 2003
• Strengthen the Commission's identity and capacity as a leadership and advocacy body with the
ability to mobilize groups of women.
• Help women develop a collective voice to influence public policy and affect positive change in
their lives.
• Collaborate with others to encourage girls to recognize and realize their potential.
COMMISSION FOCUS FOR 2003
« Girl's Outreach -Support the Contra Costa Circle's Agenda on Girls in Juvenile Justice Systems
« Establishment of Friends of the Commission
« Recruitment and development of members who strategically strengthen the Commission
These goals have been addressed through five Commission sub-committees, Legislative, Girls Outreach,
Public Relations, Membership, Steering and one Ad-Hoc Committee,the Women's Hall of Fame.
The Commission is united in our commitment to expanding opportunities, raising public awareness and
promoting a better quality of life for women and girls in Contra Costa County. We have made
substantial progress on the Commission's goals that are outlined in the Strategic Plan.
ATTACHMENTS;
Strategic Pian
Summary of Police Panel Survey
National Association of Commissions for Women
Association of California Commissions for Women
5
Doris Denson-Belcher,
Commission Chair
This has been a year of growth and profound changes for the
Commission. Several
longstanding ideas
became me
reality
during
The
most notable able
is the
development pme
nt a
nd incorporation r
Porat`o
n of
...< anon-profit organization, Friends of Contra Costa Commission for
Women, to provide financial support for the Contra Costa
Commission for Women.
• The Commission's Women's Hall of Fame moved to a larger
venue and was very successful in sharing the achievements and
{
w : gifts of some of the women in our County.
J
<.>: • Our retreat provided the perfect environment to communicate
With each other and to update the work plan for the Strategic
Plan. Supervisor Gayle Ulkeima joined the Commissioners for
breakfast at the retreat and gave valuable insight on ways to
strengthen
e
ngt
he
n
t
h
e relationship h"
P between we
en th
e
Board
of
Supervisors rvr'
s
ors
and
the Commission.
The
Police
e
a
................
pne! at the July meeting provided an opportunity
Linda Douglas for the Commissioners to educated themselves on "Zero Tolerance
Staff to the Commission For Domestic Violence."
• The Commission now has a full compliment of twenty-five
Commissioners and one alternate. All Sub-committees and Ad-Hoc
Committees are organized and functioning. As in the past, the
Commission has provided a focal point for women's issues in
Contra Costa County. We continue to provide resources for
women who need assistance and to legislatively advocate on
behalf of women.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Contra Costa County Board
of Supervisors for their support and leadership. We also recognize
and thank the Health Services Department for their support and
for our invaluable staff to the Commission for Women, Linda
Douglas. A special thank you to Commissioner Tunyalee Martin
for your photographic work. 6
.Membership Committee
The Membership Committee consists of six
Commissioners who reflect the diversity of the
Commission. Their function is to review scheduled and
unscheduled membership vacancies as they occur, $.
monitor meeting attendance and participation of
Commissioners on at least two committees. The
Membership Committee makes recommendations to the : }
Commission regarding prospective applicants and
current Commissioners. The recommendation are sent
from the Commission on to the Internal Operations .;
Committee and ultimately to the Board of Supervisors.
We also Provide orientation to new members and
,
conduct or schedule trainings. The committee meets as Terri LiederChair
needed to fulfill their purpose. Membership committee
NY
t
New Mcm6cr
Orientation ,M {
When a vacancy occurs, a press release is sent out to newspapers in Contra Costa County to
announce the vacancy and recruit applicants. Committee members then meet to review
prospective member's applications and to schedule an interview. After the interview, the
committee discusses each prospective member and agrees upon which candidates would be the
most qualified to recommend to the Commission. This recommendation is based upon our
priorities to develop the diversity of the Commission, with particular attention paid to age,
race, ethnicity, geographic representation, religious affiliation and sexual orientation, as well as
the skill set the Commission needs to accomplish its goals. This year the committee was
challenged with filling nine vacancies and also recommending an alternate member. After many
interviews and meetings the Membership Committee was able to meet the challenge. We are
now at our full membership of twenty-five Commissioners and one alternate. Our committee
was able to organize and host a New Member Orientation Forum that was very informative for
the attendees. With the addition of our new members, the Membership Committee will look
forward to a productive year of meeting the goals of the Commission.
7
{ yy
fi
Sharon Barone,Co-Chair Diana c;atesi-Vaterman.Co-Chair
C�'A s Outreach Committee (�irl,'s Outreach Committee
GIRL'S OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Girl's Outreach Committee was formed to address the needs of girls in Contra Costa County.
More specifically to ensure that girls do not experience violence in any form, that they feel good
abut themselves and are prepared to lead economically secure lives. We are sometimes advocates,
sometimes facilitators, and sometimes collaborators with other groups within the county.
During the past year, we have collaborated with the Contra Costa Circle, The Contra Costa Circle is
one of many focus groups throughout the Bay Area Counties, whose parent Association is CAWA,
the California Women's Agenda, We have identified "girls in the juvenile justice system" as our
focus. We have attended the Juvenile Justice Commissions meetings. Our Committee has identified
the Chris Adams Center for girls to be a program that we wish to support in 2004. We will continue
to identify existing girls programs in Contra Costa County that align with our mission and seek to
collaborate with them.
It is the Committee's intent through our non-profit "Friends of the Contra Costa Commission for
Women" to make a donation for the purchase of books for the new Juvenile Hall library.
Our focus on girls has prompted the Commission for Women to honor, for the first time, a special
young female (ages 16-2 l) as part of our Women's Hall of Fame for Girls Creating Community.
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LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
The Legislative Committee is charged with
helping women develop a collective voice to
influence public policy and affect positive
changes in their lives. Our present committee
consist of eight members. The Committee
advocates for women in Contra Costa County
to our representatives regarding pending
legislation. As paralleled by the State Women's
Commission, in the past two years, our
particular areas of concern have been economic
security, education, equality, family leave,
health care access, Violence prevention and
women in prison.
Joan Conley.Chair
Legislative Committee
We are particularly interested in the prevention of domestic violence as it affects all aspects of
family life. We have supported Kills by Senator Kuehl (SB 165) on child custody in domestic
violence and also bills ranging from curbing elder abuse to teen pregnancy prevention programs.
The Commission continues to support the ratification of CEDAW (Convention On The Elimination
Of All Forms Of Discrimination Against Women) by the United States Congress. CEDAW is the
United Nation's Treaty that ensures equal protection for women and girls.
We try to keep current by attending conferences and conventions as well as researching our areas
of concern on the Internet. Some of our supported bills are continuing as two year bills. We
report on those bills regularly. The committee also monitors state and local legislation, reporting
our findings at the monthly Commission meetings.
PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE �
r
The Public Relations Committee has a general
goal of reaching as many girls and women as q
possible with the information that Contra Costa
County has a Commission for Women. This will r
be accomplished through print, radio, and
television.
During 2003, the Commission was featured in nana (;aces-Waterman,Chair
the Contra Costa Times, the Martinez Gazette,
and on Contra Costa Public Television which Public IZeEatians °mmittee
covered our Women's Nall of Fame event and
the Women in Policing Forum.
The committee has also begun the task of
enhancing and updating our Commission's
website. www.womenscomnfission.com
This site will feature a new "important links"
page which will help direct girls and women to
important resources in the County. A new and
enhanced "Especially for Girls" page will
feature, among other items, a selection of
bulletin boards with specific topics designed to
encourage discussion and questions; a new
calendar of events page, and a Commission
roster, an email hotlinks page will allow girls
and women visiting the site to send questions,
request assistance or make suggestions via
email with members of the Commission.
Our focus will continue to be to utilize the
media, in all forms, to support the work of the
Commission and inform and educate girls and
women in Contra Costa County.
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HALL OF FAME COMMITTEE
(Jur sixth annual Women's Hall of Fame, co-chaired by Doris Denson-Belcher and Phyllis Gordon with a theme of
"Hats off to Women" was held on March 13, 2003 at the Concord Hilton. The Women's Hall of Fame
acknowledges those exceptional, multifaceted women who have enhanced life in Contra Costa County through
their careers and volunteer activities. The honorees have made a difference through their efforts towards equity,
innovation, service or achievement in commerce or community outreach.
This annual event to honor outstanding women is held in March to coincide with celebrating Women's History
Month. Nominations are open to anyone who resides or works in Contra Costa County. With Ann Notarangelo,
a reporter with Channel 5 Eyewitness News as the mistress of ceremonies and Susan Hagen and Mary Carouba,
co-authors of "Women at Ground Zero: Stories of Courage and Compassion" as Honorary Co-Chairs, we were
pleased to present the following eight women for induction into the Hall of Fame:
Women Working for Justice
Holly Eckwall
Deputy Probation Officer Juvenile Division
Women Improving Health Care
Grace Caliendo, President/CEO
John Muir/Mt. Diablo
Community Health Benefit Corporation
Women Demonstrating Leadership
Frances Greene
Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Preschool
And Community Council
r6,91lis Gordon,Co-chair
Women Creating Community
Women's hall Of Fame
Ginger Marsh
Community Organizer Addressing the Issues
of the Homeless and Low-Income Families
Yvonne St.John Dutra
Co-Founder of Challenge Day, an organization
that works with middle and high school youth
Women Innovating in Technology t
Lisa T. Wood
Chief Technology Officer of Pictureworks Technology
And Internet Pictures Corporation
Women Contributing to the Arts
Sally Joan Baker
Creator of Wee Poets, an educational literacy program
Women Preserving the Environment
Judy Adler Lanette Clarke, Co-chair
Founder of Mountain Mama's Nursery and Life Garden Women's Nall Of Fame
Our seventh annual Hall of Fame, co-chaired by Phyllis Gordon and Lanette Clarke with a theme of "Women of
Vision....Impacting Our Future" will be held at the Concord Hilton on March 18, 2004. We would be honored
if you would save the date on your calendar and join us to celebrate the achievements of women in Contra Costa
County.
tt
PROMOTING WOMEN IN NON-TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT
The Contra Costa Commission for Women is interested in promoting non-traditional careers for
women especially in law enforcement. In order to understand the challenges and benefits of a
career in law enforcement, the Contra Costa Commission for Women hosted a panel discussion
with a question and answer period on "Gender Equity in Policing" at the July 15th, 2003
meeting. The panel featured Chief Susan Jones of the Heaidsburg Police Department,
formerly of the Concord Police Department, Detective Mary Hooker of the Antioch Police
Department and Officer Kim Cogo of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Department, Contra Costa
TV filmed the panel for broadcast.
The Folice Panel
It.to rt.
CommissionerDeeclee Jenson ' r
Ogicer Kim Cogo S r:
Ckief5usan Jones
Detective Mar hooker
In addition, the Commission prepared a summary of surveys completed by local police
departments and the Sheriff's department concerning an article entitled, "Men, Women and
Police Excessive Force: A Tale of Two Genders". The summary was distributed to police
departments participating in the survey, members of the Board of Supervisors and the media.
The summary revealed ideas and current policies that help women enter a career in law
enforcement in Contra Costa and alerted the Commission to the challenges our local
departments face in recruiting, hiring and maintaining a gender balanced staff.
The panelists ciiscEjsseo'the
f :>i article cntitleJ,"Men,Women
a
and Police E-xcessive Force:A
Tale of Two Genclers".
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FRIENDS OF THE CONTRA COSTA COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
ESTABLISHED
The Friends of the Contra Costa Commission for Women was organized in May 2003 to
provide volunteer and financial support to the Contra Costa Commission for Women, they are
charged with helping to implement the mission of economic and social welfare for women and
their families. In addition, the Friend's Group provides support for facilities and programs to
improve the quality of life for women and their families in Contra Costa County.
The Friends of the Contra Costa Commission for Women will partner with the Contra Costa
Commission for Women in presenting the Women's Hall of Fame. The March 2004 event
occurs during Women's History Month and recognizes outstanding women living and working
in Contra Costa County.
The Friends of The Contra Costa Commission for Women will provide funding to community-
based organizations and individuals that further the mission of the Contra Costa Commission
for Women. The Friends are particularly interested in helping young women develop leadership
capacity through attendance and participation in education and training.
Sharon Barone, President of the Board of Directors of The Friends of the Contra Costa
Commission for Women, is a former Chair of the Contra Costa Commission for Women and
has served on the board of the National Association of Commissions for Women. Sharon
states, "The Friends of the Contra Costa Commission for Women will allow financial support to
flow to individuals and projects that make life for Contra Costa women and girls better and
more satisfying now and in the future."
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sharon Barone Diana Gates-Waterman Patricia Johnson
President I'Vice President Treasurer
Diana (Deedee) Jenson Doris Denson-Belcher Mitzi Sales
Secretary At-Large Member At-Large Member
Diana Kato
At-Large Member
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COMMISSIONER MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Contra Costa Commission for Women Commissioner Lindsay Johnson is honored as a "Woman
Making A Difference" by the Concord Status of Women Commission
Lindsay Johnson has based her volunteer and professional•life on the overriding mission of
alleviating poverty and creating economic justice for women and children. The results of her
work have benefited the lives of hundreds of women and children in Concord and throughout
Contra Costa County.
Through her volunteer and professional experience, Lindsay, has seen the challenge of women
who live fragmented lives and go from emergency to emergency. This knowledge led her to
first become a volunteer and then an employee of the Contra Costa-Solano County Food Batik.
She began as the coordinator of Agency Relations- and the Brown Bag Program. Lindsay is
particularly proud of the difference the Brown Bay Program has on the lives of women in
Concord and throughout Contra Costa County. "This program directly impacts women in
poverty, particularly our seniors. As women come to receive their food bags they receive not
only food but vital social contact with other worsen," says Lindsay. She added, "This program
is volunteer staffed and community based. l believe that is the way to keep the program
responsive to the needs of women." Under her direction of the program, over 150 Concord
women have benefited from the Brown Bag Program.
In 1996 Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier appointed Lindsay as his representative to the Contra
Costa Commission for Women. Her service included 5 years as Treasurer and one year as
Membership Chair. Lindsay was one of the founding framers of the County-wide Women's Hall
of Fame event co-sponsored each year by the Contra Costa Commission for Women and the
Board of Supervisors. This event spotlights and honors the accomplishments of Contra Costa
women in several categories of achievement. Lindsay has taken a leadership role in this event
for 6 years.
Congratulations Lindsay on the work you have done to make Contra Costa a better place for
women and their families.
14
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